Full Statute Name:  West's District of Columbia Code Annotated 2001 Edition. Division I. Government of District. Title 8. Environmental and Animal Control and Protection. Subtitle E. Animal Control and Protection. Chapter 18. Animal Control. Subchapter VII. Dining with Dogs.

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Primary Citation:  DC CODE § 8-1865.01, .02 Country of Origin:  United States Last Checked:  October, 2023 Date Adopted:  2018 Historical: 
Summary: These laws from 2018 allow food establishments in D.C. to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas of food establishments or unenclosed sidewalk cafés. These establishments must post signage outside that states dogs are permitted along with any restrictions on dogs based on size or temperament. They must also provide an entrance that does not require dogs to enter an indoor dining area or an area in which food is being stored or prepared to access the outdoor dining area and provide patrons with waste bags and a means of proper disposal. Patrons must keep their dog in a carrier or on a leash at all times and never leave the dogs unattended.

§ 8-1865.01. Definitions.

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:

(1) “Carrier” means a crate designed for carrying dogs or a front-pack or backpack designed to safely carry a dog.

(2) “Food establishment” means any business that offers outdoor seating and sells food for consumption on its premises.

(3) “Leash” means a line held by a person on one end that is for leading or restraining a dog.

(4) “Outdoor dining area” means an outdoor area on private property where food is served by a food establishment.

(5) “Unenclosed sidewalk café” means any authorized use of public space adjacent to a food establishment that contains tables, chairs, railings, or planters, which is open to the sky and at the sides, but may include awnings or umbrellas, and which is able to be removed within a 24-hour period.

(6) “Waste bag” means a plastic bag designed for disposing of dog excrement.

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(May 5, 2018, D.C. Law 22-91, § 2, 65 DCR 2639.)

 

§ 8-1865.02. Outdoor dining with dogs.

(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of District law or regulation to the contrary, a food establishment may permit dogs in outdoor dining areas or designated portions thereof, or in unenclosed sidewalk cafés.

(2) A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés may restrict types of dogs based on a dog's size or temperament.

(b) A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés shall:

(1) Post signage outside the food establishment clearly stating that dogs are permitted in outdoor dining areas of the food establishment or in an unenclosed sidewalk café adjacent to the food establishment, along with any restrictions on dogs based on size or temperament;

(2) Provide an entrance that does not require dogs to enter an indoor dining area or an area in which food is being stored or prepared to access the outdoor dining area or the unenclosed sidewalk café;

(3) Provide patrons with waste bags and a sanitary means of disposing of waste bags;

(4) Meet the requirements of section 503.1 of Title 25A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (25A DCMR § 503.1), by ensuring that food employees do not care for or handle dogs;

(5) Require a patron to keep the patron's dog in a carrier or on a leash at all times; and

(6) Prohibit a patron from leaving the patron's dog unattended.

(c) A food establishment may require a patron to take the patron's dog off the food establishment's premises or away from the food establishment's unenclosed sidewalk café.

(d) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent live animals, as described in section 3214.2(b) and (c) of Title 25A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (25A DCMR § 3214.2(b) and (c))), from accessing a food establishment.

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(May 5, 2018, D.C. Law 22-91, § 3, 65 DCR 2639.)

 

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